Diagnosis, management, and follow-up of congenital head and neck teratomas

Objective: To describe our clinical experience with congenital teratomas of the head and neck. Study Design: A retrospective review of the six patients as well as a review of the literature in the setting of academic referral centers. Methods: In six infants with teratomas, four in the cervical region and two arising from the nasopharynx, surgical excision of all tumors was performed. Outcome measures were clinical and radiographic follow‐up and the use of α‐fetoprotein (AFP) for postoperative monitoring. Results: There was no recurrence of teratomas. Conclusions: Surgical excision is the treatment for congenital teratomas. Postoperative monitoring for recurrences should include AFP levels in difficult cases.